Bahamas News
GB’s Goombay Summer Festival to be special this year, as nation celebrates Golden Jubilee
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — The Grand Bahama Summer Goombay Festival will kick off on Thursday, July 6, 2023 and will be held every Thursday for the entire month of July on Taino Beach. The event is being hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, with collaboration from the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Title sponsors for this year’s festival include Grand Bahama Power Company, Doctors Hospital, LUSCO and others.
Minister Moxey said that it was exciting to tie in this year’s Goombay Festival with the nation’s Golden Jubilee. Interestingly, the Goombay Summer Festival will host its 50th edition next year, since it was started a year after independence.
“We have excitedly been marching on the road to 50 all year to commemorate our nation’s historic Golden Jubilee,” said Minister Moxey.
“And during our pre-independence celebrations, we have taken the opportunity to proudly acknowledge our forefathers and foremothers who led The Bahamas to independence on July 10, 1973, and the advancement of our country from that day onwards.
“I would like to thank the team at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for its hard work in continued commitment to promoting Bahamian culture to the world and for providing vendor opportunities for the residents of Grand Bahama every year at cultural festivals like Goombay. I would like to thank the sponsors for their collaborative efforts and for supporting this wonderful event.
“I would also like to invite all residents and visitors to the island to come out and enjoy this year’s Goombay Summer Festival and I look forward to the next four weeks of great food, music and entertainment.”
Newly appointed General Manager at the Ministry of Tourism, Grand Bahama, Nuvolari Chotoosingh, said It’s really important to remember that these festivals, like Goombay Summer, mean so much for the various communities on the island. They provide big economic impact. From the tourism side, he noted that these events mean a lot to visitors as well, giving them an opportunity to not only visit Grand Bahama Island, but to partake in Bahamian culture.
“It represents an experience for them, especially when they are able to participate in the various activities that are available at these festivals,” Nuvolari added.
“We’re looking forward to the delicious food, authentic Bahamian dishes, with a twist on some of them this year. So, you want to come out and participate in the dishes that will be available.”
PHOTO CAPTION – The 2023 Goombay Summer Junkanoo Festival is set to kick off on Thursday, July 6, at Taino Beach. The event will be held every Thursday for the entire month of July. During a press conference to announce the annual festival, Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey noted that Goombay Summer Festival was started the year after The Bahamas became an independent nation and was designed to celebrate everything Bahamian. On hand for the press conference on Monday, July 3, 2023 at Taino Beach were Minister Moxey (center); newly appointed General Manager for Tourism in Grand Bahama, Nuvolari Chotoosingh; and Kendra Sturrup, of Doctors Hospital (Grand Bahama).
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
